I have just inherited a 6" K22 revolver. Blue, about 85% (WAG)

5 Screw. Serial number shows as K 33970 on the butt. In the frame, above the crane, it says, 1 529 4 with an N above the 4.

Four liner on the right side. pinned barrel.

I know its old, but can someone who can read the charts tell me anything else? I'd sure appreciate it.

SCS&W IV says 1948.

The other numbers you see have to do with the gun being put together and mean nothing after the gun is built.

The #1 529 4 with an N above the 4 is an assembly # and the N an inspector stamp.

ASSEMBLY (factory work) #s: These multi-digit numbers of 3 to 5 digits, are on the yoke at the hinge, in the ‘yoke cut’ on frame (accompanied with a stamped inspector letter) opposite the yoke near the hinge, and inside of the sideplate, for the pre war and early post war period.

Once the gun is shipped, the only use for the assembly is to confirm the three parts it's stamped on are original.

In 1957 the assembly # in the yoke cut of the frame was relocated to the left side of grip frame after model #s were assigned and the serial # was eventually added in the ‘yoke cut’ where the assembly #, now moved to the left side of the grip frame, used to be. You know they are assembly (factory work) #s because of those 3 locations that always match on guns that are original, and that’s the only usefulness for them after guns leave the factory; still used to this day, long after serial number locations decreased.

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Jim
S&WCA #819

The closest SN on my list to K33970 is K382xx which shipped in 8/1948. BTW, your revolver is called the "K-22 Masterpiece."

I appreciate your time to reply and help me out with this. Looks like I might need to hang onto this one.

Jerry

You have most certainly inherited one of the finest Revolvers on the planet, IMO.
I would be a slacker if I didn't say -
We need pictures!

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NRA LIFE MEMBER

Go shoot that one. You will definitely enjoy it.

IMHO, the K 22 ranks right up there with the .38 M&P and the Chief Specials as being cornerstones of the S&W legacy.

I don't remember off hand when the one liners became four liners but your gun should be close to that changeover FWIW.

They are great shooters and most times shoot better than their owners.

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James Redfield
LM #497

Ha, I'm not as qualified as so many on here to expound on what a "K22 Masterpiece" is and what that name means, but here are a few items that you can add to your learning about your revolver.

The "K" part means it is the medium "K" frame, the most popular sized frame in S&W's history. This frame size matches up well with all the medium frame sized revolvers from any manufacturer. The very popular S&W Models 10, 15, 19, 64 and 66. Compare the K frame size to the old Ruger Security Six... one frame size smaller than the S&W 686 and the Ruger GP-100.

The "K-22" part obvious denotes that it is a .22cal pistol in the K-frame, but it is noteworthy if you also find and buy a K-32 and a K-38.

The "Masterpiece" part of the name tells you that this was meant to be a deluxe target revolver, typically with some parts specifically geared toward target use (as opposed to field, service/duty use) such as an adjustable rear sight, a target-style front sight, a larger cocking piece on the hammer and a trigger more geared for target use. The Masterpiece guns were most typically found with the 6-inch barrel and the attractive raised rib.

It's long been identified as the K-22 Masterpiece but when they began using model numbers around 1957, it was also identified as the Model 17.